Automated Hyperpolarization Apparatus for MRI Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperpolarization systems for MRI imaging agents are inefficient, expensive, and labor-intensive, with high cryogen consumption, requiring manual handling of liquid cryogens and being sensitive to environmental conditions, which affects the safety and efficacy of the imaging agents.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated apparatus and method for hyperpolarizing imaging agents using a sample box, airlock chamber, cryogenic chamber, guide channel, heater and pressure module, and controller to automate the hyperpolarization process, minimizing manual intervention and optimizing conditions for sterility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of liquid cryogens is used in hyperpolarization systems, then the operator can directly control the process, but the system becomes labor-intensive and increases safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated cryogen management where the apparatus itself handles the cryogen circulation and temperature control without requiring operator intervention. The automated polarizer system manages cryogen flow through integrated pumps and temperature sensors, eliminating manual handling while maintaining process control.
2Temperature
If high cryogen consumption is used to maintain low temperature space, then the magnet bore can be effectively cooled, but the operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous cryogen circulation through an integrated pump system that maintains constant flow through the magnet bore and sample region. This continuous action ensures stable temperature control while optimizing cryogen usage efficiency, preventing waste through proper circulation management and heat exchange optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses a hydraulic pump system to circulate cryogen through the magnet bore and sample chamber. The pump-driven flow system provides precise control over cryogen circulation rates, ensuring efficient cooling while minimizing consumption. The hydraulic system enables automated temperature control without manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If the hyperpolarization process is automated, then labor requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated polarizer system integrates multiple functions into a single apparatus: cryogen circulation, sample loading, hyperpolarization, dissolution, and quality control are all performed by the same system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual operations while managing complexity through integrated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an automated sample transfer mechanism with airlock chambers and robotic positioning systems to move samples between the polarizer, dissolution module, and quality control equipment. These intermediary automated components handle the complex coordination of multiple processes without requiring operator intervention.
4Reliability
If multiple quality control tests are performed on hyperpolarized samples, then the safety and efficacy are ensured, but the testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality control checks during the hyperpolarization process itself, such as monitoring polarization levels and sample integrity in real-time. This preliminary assessment allows for immediate detection of issues without requiring extensive post-processing testing, reducing overall testing time while maintaining quality standards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The automated system enhances the continuous operation of hyperpolarization, reduces cryogen consumption, and maintains the sterility and safety of imaging agents, improving the throughput and stability of hyperpolarized samples.
Implementation Method 1
a low temperature space that is in a magnetic field... The cryostat is cooled by way of a stream of a cold cryogen provided by an external cryogen supply through a transfer line and pumping device
Implementation Method 2
In hyperpolarization techniques, a sample of an imaging agent... is introduced or injected into the subject being imaged... a number of techniques exist to improve the polarization of nuclear spins
Implementation Method 3
a heater and pressure module coupled to the sample box... heating and pressurizing a dissolution solution, adding the dissolution solution to the sample
Implementation Method 4
an airlock chamber configured to receive a sample from the sample box... evacuating the airlock chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method for automated hyperpolarization of samples for use as an imaging agent comprising a sample box, an airlock chamber configured to receive a sample from the sample box, a cryogenic chamber, a guide channel to transport samples from the airlock chamber to the cryogenic chamber, a heater and pressure module coupled to the sample box, an insertion and retraction device to transport samples through the guide channel to and from the cryogenic chamber, a dissolution module coupled to the sample box, and a controller to regulate hyperpolarization of the samples by controlling one or more of position, sequencing, temperature, pressure, and dissolution of the samples within the apparatus. Also provided is a machine-readable medium comprising instruction which, when executed by a controller, causes a hyperpolarization apparatus to perform the steps of hyperpolarization of a sample.